Seven-time LPGA Tour winner In-Kyung Kim announced her retirement from professional golf Sunday, shortly after she completed the final round of the Women’s Open in Fife, Scotland.
Kim, 36, won this tournament in 2017. On Sunday, the South Korean signed for a 3-over-par 75 to finish at 11-over 299 for the tournament at St. Andrews Links (Old Course) before sharing her decision.
Kim noted that the math added up appropriately toward her decision. After all, she was on the LPGA Tour for 18 years — the same number of holes for a round of golf.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment when that day would come (to retire), and it came today,” Kim said.
“I just knew when it’s time that I would feel it, and I’ve been thinking it for the last two years. … Everything keeps coming 18, and I was like, it must be it.”
Outgoing R&A chief Martin Slumbers admitted he was surprised by the announcement. Many others were too, Kim said.
For now, Kim will assess what’s next in her life. That said, she’s proud of the work she put into her career.
“I wasn’t most talented or most gifted, but I loved the game. I was willing to travel anywhere to play golf and learn the game, and I wanted to thank all the girls here. …
“Thank you so much. Thank you all.”
–Field Level Media
